Others going East

Here’s a nice article from the San Diego Union-Tribune on the upcoming Padres/Dodgers series in Beijing. The timing of this trip (March 11-16) seems a bit more reasonable than the March 22-26 Sox/A’s Japanese adventure. I suppose one could make the argument that a big trip in the middle of spring training is more disruptive than the trek the Sox and A’s will make a bit further along on the calendar. But the Pads and Dodgers are spared getting hurled into the regular season prematurely (the Beijing games are exhibitions) and they have more time to settle back in once they return.

Around the League
Ichiro is 0-14 in spring training. The Rays are out for blood. The Mets laugh at Barry Bonds rumors. Ryan Braun is making defensive strides. Mark Grudzielanek hates his life. The Big Unit will make his spring training debut Monday. Jay Gibbons might have a job when he returns from his 15-day suspension. Andre Dawson sees himself in Cameron Maybin.